Senate Approves James Comey As New FBI Director

The Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed James Comey to become FBI director after Sen. Rand Paul ended delaying tactics against the nomination because of concerns about the domestic use of drones.

Monday's 93-1 vote put Comey in line to succeed Robert Mueller, who is stepping down in September after 12 years heading the agency. Paul was the only no vote.

Comey was the Justice Department's No. 2 official under President George W. Bush. He gained attention in 2004, when he defied top Bush White House officials who wanted Justice to renew a program that allowed eavesdropping without warrants of domestic phone calls and emails.

Paul, a Kentucky Republican, had been blocking a vote on Comey. He abruptly ended his delays after saying he'd received an FBI letter that answered his questions.